Rising cost living concerns: Most expensive GCC cities in 2012

As two of the UAE’s cities make it onto a list of the most expensive cities in the world, compiled by Mercer (a global HR consultancy company.) Kipp presents to you eight of the most expensive cities to live in the GCC.

The capital city of the UAE was listed in the top 50 most expensive cities in the world in 2010. Although the city has come down to lower rankings since then-having dropped from #67 last year to #76 this year, it is still the most expensive city in the GCC.

Dubai, UAE

Cost of living in Dubai has fallen with the city ranking #94 this year, falling 13 places from last year.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

According to the survey, Riyadh has shown a sharp increase in the cost of living in the city ranking #123 this year compared to #135 last year.

Kuwait City, Kuwait

The city of Kuwait climbed 25 places from last year to # 134, showing a clear 10-15 percent rise in the cost of living.

Manama, Bahrain

Manama has shown very little change in cost of living rankings over the last year moving up from # 157 to #156 this year.

Doha, Qatar

The cost of living index in Doha has fallen significantly, having dropped five places from last year it is ranked #169 in the index.

Muscat, Oman

Muscat city is coming in at #179, having moved up by five notches from last year.

Jeddah, KSA

The second city from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the least expensive city in the GCC to figure in the index, is Jeddah, ranked #186 in this year;s survey.